A sea lion pup is recuperating after being found injured and malnourished in a San Diego, Calif., parking lot on Sunday.

Estimated to be between 9 to 10 months old, the pup was discovered by a boy and his father during a morning walk. The dad phoned police and when they arrived the frightened animal started inching towards the roadway.  Members of the animal rescue unit from Sea World were brought in to assist.

Jennifer Zarate, an animal-care specialist at Sea World, told ABC News affiliate KGTV that it was common to find pups in trouble during the spring months as their mother's leave them to fend for themselves. Zarate said that the pup was lethargic and likely had not been able to find enough food without her mother.

The female pup had a cut on one of her flippers, and was severely malnourished and dehydrated. She was taken to Seaworld for treatment and a check-up.